Days out
Fairy Glen
RosemarkieOpenSee opening timesWalk along the public footpath through this steep-sided glen to find the two beautiful waterfalls. Stop for a moment and enjoy the sounds of birdsong alongside the rushing water.
About
⚠The core footpath is blocked due to a landslide, the reserve is not accessible from the Fairy Glen car park. Access the reserve using the Fairy Glen footpath from Rosemarkie beach instead.⚠
In a hidden glen not far from Inverness, this small and steep-sided reserve is a magical broadleaf woodland. Follow the winding path as it weaves across the stream, through longstanding woodland and past moss-covered rocks. At the end, you'll discover two beautiful waterfalls that tumble into the pool below.
Stay a while to enjoy the sounds, before making your way back the way you came, keeping an eye out for Buzzards circling overhead or a Grey Heron stalking fish along the glittering stream.
The footpath is around 1.25 miles (2 km) long, from the car park to the waterfalls. At the end of your visit, please return to the car park via the footpath rather than walk down the road.
At a glance
- 10 spaces
- Highland Council car park adjacent to reserve.
- Bike rack with space for four bikes.
- It is best to avoid walking on the fast busy A832, that runs alongside the reserve, and return to the car park by retracing your steps back along the footpath through Fairy Glen.
There are public toilets 250m walk away in Rosemarkie village, opposite the Plough Inn.
There are public toilets 250m walk away in Rosemarkie village, opposite the Plough Inn.
The path becomes steep, uneven and slippery and has several sets of steps.
No stiles or gates.
The path becomes steep, uneven and slippery and has several sets of steps.
No stiles or gates.
There are public toilets 250m walk away in Rosemarkie village, opposite the Plough Inn.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Fairy Glen
nsro@rspb.org.uk Fairy Glen, Fortrose, Highland, IV10 8UP 01463 715000